September 10, 2026
115 – Why There Are So Many Outbreaks and Recalls for Produce
Host: Herb Weisbaum
Guest(s):
- Bill Marler - Leading food safety expert and attorney
- Brian Ronholm - Director of Food Policy for Consumer Reports
Farmers and food processors insist that the U.S. has the safest food supply in the world. But about 48 million Americans get sick from foodborne illnesses every year, according to the CDC. Of those, an estimated 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die. Produce, especially leafy greens, accounts for nearly half (46%) of these illnesses.
In this episode, we take a deep dive into the produce you buy at the supermarket or eat at a restaurant. Where does the system break down? What can be done to fix it? And what can you do to reduce your risk of getting sick?
More Info:
U.S. PIRG: Food for Thought 2026
FDA: Safe Food Handling
CDC: What to Do if You Think You Have Food Poisoning
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